Seattle’s beloved C-ID Night Market is back this Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. for another day (and night) of art, good eats, and community. Held in the heart of the Chinatown-International District, this free, all-ages street festival brings together street vendors, food trucks, and live cultural performances in a lively, open-air night market setting.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, the CID Night Market offers something for everyone—from traditional lion dances and taiko drumming to savory bites and hands-on art activities. As the sun sets behind the red arch in Hing Hay Park, the neighborhood comes alive with rhythm, flavor, and community. Since 2006, the CID Night Market has offered a unique way to experience the historic Chinatown-International District after dark. Created to celebrate the neighborhood’s cultural vibrancy, the event invites thousands to explore dozens of local vendors, craft artisans, and delicious bites.
Collaging Intergenerational Joy: A Lookback at Last Year’s Night Market
At last year’s Night Market, over 15,000 attendees took part in the festivities, with one of the highlights being a hands-on art booth led by teaching artist Chandra Wu. Her fabric collage activity welcomed 52 participants, ranging in age from toddlers to seniors.
Wu’s station transformed into a small but mighty hub of creativity. Kids practiced their motor skills and storytelling through collage, while adults found unexpected joy in slowing down to create something by hand.
“One couple and three adults who were not accompanying children spent the longest times on their work,” Wu shared. “They seemed to be very satisfied.”
Young kids excitedly used glue sticks for the first time, while busy toddlers explored the joy of marking paper with colored pencils.
In one touching moment, a 2-year-old and 10-year-old were seated together. The toddler, a bit possessive of the materials, was encouraged to practice sharing—an act they were proud to carry out with the older kid.
“They were very proud to prove their capacity for sharing with a bigger kid—just not necessarily their guardians,” recounted Wu.
